Field: Bird watching from your window

The Frontera Land Alliance works to connect people to nature through recreational and outreach opportunities. One way that we do this is by encouraging everyone to step outside and enjoy nature.

Yet, our busy schedules may prevent us from being able to do this, let alone find the time to teach our kids about nature. But have you thought about simply sitting in your living room or yard and watching birds from the comfort of your home?

Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust gets kids paying attention to local wildlife with Bird Quest in over 30 schools. They simply have the feeders in front of their windows and for 15 minutes each day for a week the students watch and observe the wildlife and the world around them.

Birdwatching is a wonderful family activity since you can all participate regardless of your age and mobility. In addition to watching birds, you can learn what types of plants they like, where they nest, what they eat and so much more.

The best views of birds are obtained with binoculars but you can do very well with the unaided eye. A birding field guide will help with identifications. Many are available at local bookstores or you can borrow one from a public library. You will also find guides to wildflowers, butterflies and other insects, so you can watch and learn more about the natural world around you.

As you learn about the birds and other animals in your area you can create habitat by planting the trees and shrubs they like, inviting them to your home. And spring is a perfect time to do this as birds are migrating north or settling in here to begin nesting. This can also lead to everyone wanting to learn more by going to parks and nature preserves to observe how nature works.

Frontera works to conserve natural open spaces, water, farms and ranches that benefit people and wild things. We believe it is critical to connect people with their natural surroundings. In addition to protecting land we are hosting numerous outings ranging from birdwatching, wildflower walks, volunteer trail workdays, nature photography programs and more.

If you are looking for a place to visit, check out The Frontera Land Alliance’s Wakeem/Teschner Nature Preserve at Resler Canyon in West El Pso. Many different species of birds have been sighted in the 91-acre arroyo.

It varies by time of year, but the following are a few of the species that have been seen: turkey vulture, Gambel’s quail, mourning dove, white-winged dove, greater roadrunner, great horned owl, black-chinned hummingbird, western kingbird, verdin, cactus wren, northern mockingbird, curve-billed thrasher, great-tailed grackle, and house finch.

So please join us there for a beautiful – and educational – bird-watching experience!

To learn more about our activities, our preserves or how you can participate, Janae’ Reneaud Field at Janae@Fronteralandalliance.org or 915-351-8352.

Janae’ Reneaud Field is executive director of The Frontera Land Alliance in El Paso.